The muscular men in the muscles magazines may look amazing, but there is more to the story.

As Guru from Gangstarr has said in the song Moment of Truth:

Actions have reactions, don’t be quick to judgeYou may not know the harships people don’t speak ofIt’s best to step back, and observe with couthFor we all must meet our moment of truth

In this post, I will present you 5 benefits of being a steroid-free bodybuilder.

1. Save money

To achieve the modern muscle look, one needs a constant supply of solid gear. Drugs are not free. Every month bodybuilders are spending hundreds if not thousands on steroid cycles, growth hormone, and consultation with steroid gurus.

2. No Legal issues

In many countries steroids are illegal, and people are forced to go to the black market. This may cause problems. For example, the famous bench press record holder Ryan Kennelly was sent to prison for selling and using anabolic steroids. This is a good reason to remain steroid-free.

In addition, the drugs on the black market are often fake, dirty and/or underdosed. It’s not uncommon to pay for one kind of steroid and to receive a different type.

During the Golden Era of Bodybuilding, steroids were legal and easy to get. That’s why the gear used by Arnold, Mike Mentzer, Frank Zane…etc. was made by reputable companies.

Moreover, the dealers who sell steroids are often willing to offer you cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy, painkillers and other recreational drugs. When you are in constant contact with criminals, it’s easy to slip in the wrong direction in a moment of weakness.

3. No Steroid addiction

Steroid addiction should not be taken lightly. Once you stop using drugs, a crash will undoubtedly occur whether you want it or not. It’s basic physiology. Your hormones will be out of balance, and you fear of losing your muscle-based personality will keep you hooked on roids for life.

4. Keeping your gains

It’s much easier to keep your muscle gains as a steroid-free bodybuilder. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot hold on to your steroid gains after you quit. When you discontinue the drugs completely, all gains will slowly evaporate into the nothingness. On the other hand, the steroid-free athlete is unlikely to lose a lot of muscle even if he was to stop training for a few months. It makes sense – you got it quickly, you lose it quickly.

5. Health issues

Steroids come with side effects – hair loss, testicular dysfunction, kidney failure, liver failure, heart attack, gynecomastia…etc. Like all drugs, steroids are just a tool – they can build you, but they can also kill you. It depends on how you use them. If you remain steroid-free, you will save money on health expenses, and the risk of suffering from the mentioned illnesses is lower.